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Council reviews FY2026 fee‑schedule changes including towing, ambulance and solar fees
Summary
City staff reviewed proposed minor fee increases for FY2026, including towing rate adjustments, a $150 treat‑no‑transport ambulance charge, simplified solar‑panel permit fees and small increases for multi‑family registration and five‑year inspections; councilors were asked to submit amendments by midweek.
City staff presented proposed changes to the FY2026 fee schedule Monday, noting only modest adjustments across several departments and asking councilors to submit any amendments by midweek ahead of the May 12 adoption vote.
Interim Finance Director Henderson summarized the changes: a $150 fee for ambulance treatment without transport (previously suspended after billing controversies), simplified solar‑panel permit fees of $7 for the first 100 panels and $4 for each additional panel, a $5 increase to multi‑family registration per unit (from $25 to $30), five‑year inspection fees rising from $150 to $200, burial permits increasing from $20 to $25 and higher towing rates that now include a $160 daytime and nighttime towing charge, a $175 crash‑scene tow and a $200 winch/tow service.
Parks and recreation program fees show the largest portion of nominal increases, described by staff as small annual adjustments for resident and nonresident program pricing. Transfer‑station rates and planning fees were not changed.
Councilor Edwards asked whether the towing increases came from private tow‑company pricing rather than a city penalty; staff clarified towing charges are set by towing vendors. Councilor Johnston expressed concern about increasing fees tied to a chapter of city code that he believes has not been fully implemented and asked that chapter‑specific changes be reexamined before final adoption.
City Administrator Bananco asked councilors to submit proposed amendments by Wednesday (no later than Thursday) so staff can compile final numbers for the May 12 packet. Councilors may still propose amendments on the floor at the adoption vote, but staff noted off‑line submission helps ensure accurate resolution language and totals.
Why it matters: fee schedules affect how certain city services are priced for residents and vendors and can have distributional impacts on low‑income residents. Staff said hardship waivers are available for ambulance bills in cases of demonstrated need.
